Cost of Living: Orange, CA vs Clearwater, FL (2026)

Orange

California
206
VS

Clearwater

Florida
105

Orange is 96% more expensive than Clearwater.

$2,252/mo ↑ 46%
Median Rent
$1,539/mo ↓ 32%
$116,945/yr ↑ 81%
Median Income
$64,440/yr ↓ 45%
$900,700 ↑ 176%
Home Value
$326,100 ↓ 64%
$2,394/mo ↑ 70%
Owner Costs
$1,411/mo ↓ 41%
138,723
Population
117,075

Tax Comparison

13.3%
Income Tax
0%
7.25%
State Sales Tax
6.0%
0.71%
Property Tax
0.86%

Affordability

23.1%
rent-to-income
Affordability
28.7%
rent-to-income

Detailed Comparison

When comparing Orange, CA and Clearwater, FL, the overall cost of living indices are 206 and 105 respectively (national median = 100). Rent is $713/month cheaper in Clearwater, saving renters about $8,556/year.

Median household income is $52,505/year higher in Orange. Home values also differ significantly — the median in Orange is $900,700 compared to $326,100 in Clearwater.

Florida has no state income tax, giving Clearwater residents a significant tax advantage over California's 13.3% rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Orange vs Clearwater — common questions

Is Orange or Clearwater cheaper to live in?
Based on our cost index, Clearwater is cheaper to live in with an index of 105 compared to 206 (US average = 100).
What is the rent difference between Orange and Clearwater?
Median rent in Orange is $2,252/month and in Clearwater it's $1,539/month — a difference of $713/month.
Which city has higher income, Orange or Clearwater?
Median household income is $116,945 in Orange and $64,440 in Clearwater. Median household income is $52,505/year higher in Orange.
How do taxes compare between California and Florida?
California has 13.3% income tax, 7.25% sales tax, and 0.71% property tax. Florida has 0% income tax, 6.0% sales tax, and 0.86% property tax.
Should I move to Orange or Clearwater?
It depends on your priorities. Orange has a cost index of 206 with median rent of $2,252/mo, while Clearwater has a cost index of 105 with rent of $1,539/mo. Consider income potential, tax burden, and lifestyle preferences alongside raw cost data.
View Orange details → View Clearwater details →

More Comparisons

Other cost of living comparisons for Orange and Clearwater

Orange vs. Metairie Orange vs. Warren Orange vs. Fullerton Orange vs. Columbia Orange vs. Waco Orange vs. West Valley City Clearwater vs. North Charleston Clearwater vs. Lakeland Clearwater vs. Cambridge Clearwater vs. The Woodlands Clearwater vs. Richardson Clearwater vs. Evansville